Colin Pitchfork had been released in September after serving 31 years in prison for the murder and rape of two schoolgirls. I wrote to him that he should be executed in prison. It is still my belief that he should.
Pitchfork was allegedly released but is now back in prison. He has reportedly been seen approaching young women while out on walks alone – walks which seemingly he was entitled to take.
There is still a possibility that he could return to normal living if he convinces parole officers that his actions are not a danger to women and girls.
But how can they know this, and if the Parole Board’s number one priority really is the safety of the public – as it claims – why was he even considered for release?
Colin Pitchfork’s mugshot, who was the first person to be convicted using DNA evidence.
These extreme words are not spoken out of revenge for the victims or their families.
I am not a hanger-flogger. Only people who pose a danger to the public are eligible for imprisonment if I were the head of the judiciary.
But, the truth is that men convicted in grotesque sexual offences such as Pitchforks are not able to be ‘cured’ no matter how skillfully they manipulate psychologists.
Members of his board that approved his release might feel disappointed today. We must not forget who we are dealing avec.
Lynda Mann (right), who was murdered by Pitchfork (November 1983) in Narborough in Leicestershire. Dawn Ashworth (left) was killed and raped three years later at Enderby.
One man raped, strangled, and sexually assaulted two girls aged 15 and 16, and then raped another teenage girl. This person also confessed to having exposed himself over the course of a lifetime to nearly 1,000 girls and women.
He repeatedly demonstrated his inability of controlling his urges to kill, humiliate and degrade women.
My belief is that all prisoners who have been sentenced and have shown success with rehabilitation, should be eligible for release. However, are all prisoners capable of rehabilitation? Do serious sex offenders like Pitchfork feel safe with girls or women? In my opinion, no. Pitchfork is one of those men who will attack women at any opportunity. His long criminal history proves it.
At the trial, he was identified in a psychiatrist’s report as having a psychopathology and personality disorder.
Judge said about him, “From the standpoint of safety of the public I doubt that he should be ever released.”
However, government protests aside, the Parole Board decided to let this predator go, due to the fact that he was serving time and having seen the reports.
This old-fashioned idea that you return home after you’ve completed your sentence is what constrains the board. While this might seem to be an admirable principle in a system of rehabilitation prisons, it is a flaw that I as a feminist immediately noticed. It does not consider the welfare of women and allow them to live in freedom without fear.
After apparently violating his release terms, ‘Pitchfork has been returned to prison. He has reportedly been seen approaching young women while out on walks alone – walks which seemingly he was entitled to take’
Pitchfork was released in spite of receiving advice. The system needs to be reformed immediately. Pitchfork should not be released until an accurate risk assessment is done. Poor judgement has led to too many women being raped and murdered.
We need to be very clear on the Pitchfork matter. His behavior was alarming because of the media attention he received.
However, they are less well-known, but equally determined. Sexual predators, however, are released routinely and not under such scrutiny.
I was compared to Right-wingers of ‘law and Order’ in my advocacy on the issue.
Truth be told, I’m a left-leaning feminist who is concerned about preventing violence from males against women.
Colin Pitchfork is not worthy of a second chance to protect women and show girls their worth.
Julie Bindel is both a feminist writer, and a campaigner against domestic violence.